Systems and methods for implementing a machine perception and dense algorithm integrated circuit and enabling a flowing propagation of data within the integrated circuit

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods of propagating data within an integrated circuit includes: identifying a coarse data propagation path for distinct subsets of data of an input dataset that includes: setting inter-core data movements for the distinct subsets of data, the inter-core data movements defining a predetermined propagation of a given subset of data between two or more of a plurality of cores of an integrated circuit array of the integrated circuit; identifying a granular data propagation path for each distinct subset of data that includes: setting intra-core data movements for each distinct subset of data, the intra-core data movements defining a predetermined propagation of the given subset of data within one or more of the plurality of cores of the integrated circuit array of the integrated circuit; enabling a flow of the input dataset within the integrated circuit based on the coarse data propagation path and the granular propagation path.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 10,997,115, filed 21Jan. 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/794,198, filed 18 Jan. 2019, which is incorporated in its entirety bythis reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The one or more inventions described herein relate generally to theintegrated circuitry field, and more specifically to a new and usefuldense algorithm processing integrated circuitry architecture in theintegrated circuitry field.

BACKGROUND

Modern applications of artificial intelligence and generally, machinelearning appear to be driving innovations in robotics and specifically,in technologies involving autonomous robotics and autonomous vehicles.Also, the developments in machine perception technology have enabled theabilities of many of the implementations in the autonomous robotics' andautonomous vehicles' spaces to perceive vision, perceive hearing, andperceive touch among many other capabilities that allow machines tocomprehend their environments.

The underlying perception technologies applied to these autonomousimplementations include a number of advanced and capable sensors thatoften allow for a rich capture of environments surrounding theautonomous robots and/or autonomous vehicles. However, while many ofthese advanced and capable sensors may enable a robust capture of thephysical environments of many autonomous implementations, the underlyingprocessing circuitry that may function to process the various sensorsignal data from the sensors often lack in corresponding robustprocessing capabilities sufficient to allow for high performance andreal-time computing of the sensor signal data.

The underlying processing circuitry often include general purposeintegrated circuits including central processing units (CPUs) andgraphic processing units (GPU). In many applications, GPUs areimplemented rather than CPUs because GPUs are capable of executing bulkyor large amounts of computations relative to CPUs. However, thearchitectures of most GPUs are not optimized for handling many of thecomplex machine learning algorithms (e.g., neural network algorithms,etc.) used in machine perception technology. For instance, theautonomous vehicle space includes multiple perception processing needsthat extend beyond merely recognizing vehicles and persons. Autonomousvehicles have been implemented with advanced sensor suites that providea fusion of sensor data that enable route or path planning forautonomous vehicles. But, modern GPUs are not constructed for handlingthese additional high computation tasks.

At best, to enable a GPU or similar processing circuitry to handleadditional sensor processing needs including path planning, sensorfusion, and the like, additional and/or disparate circuitry may beassembled to a traditional GPU. This fragmented and piecemeal approachto handling the additional perception processing needs of robotics andautonomous machines results in a number of inefficiencies in performingcomputations including inefficiencies in sensor signal processing.

Accordingly, there is a need in the integrated circuitry field for anadvanced integrated circuit that is capable of high performance andreal-time processing and computing of routine and advanced sensorsignals for enabling perception of robotics or any type or kind ofperceptual machine.

The inventors of the inventions described in the present applicationhave designed an integrated circuit architecture that allows forenhanced sensor data processing capabilities and have further discoveredrelated methods for implementing the integrated circuit architecture forseveral purposes including for enabling perception of robotics andvarious machines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS

In one embodiment, a method of controlling a movement of data within anintegrated circuit includes: obtaining an input dataset; identifying acoarse data propagation path for each of a plurality of distinct subsetsof data of the input dataset, wherein identifying the coarse datapropagation path includes: setting inter-core data movements for each ofthe plurality of distinct subsets of data, the inter-core data movementsdefining a predetermined propagation of a given subset of data of theplurality of distinct subsets of data between two or more of a pluralityof cores of an integrated circuit array of the integrated circuit;identifying a granular data propagation path for each of the pluralityof distinct subsets of data of the input dataset, wherein identifyingthe granular data propagation path includes: setting intra-core datamovements for each of the plurality of distinct subsets of data, theintra-core data movements defining a predetermined propagation of thegiven subset of data of the plurality of distinct subsets of data withinone or more of the plurality of cores of the integrated circuit array ofthe integrated circuit; enabling a flow of the input dataset within theintegrated circuit based on the coarse data propagation path and thegranular propagation path.

In one embodiment, each of the coarse data propagation path and thegranular data propagation path are defined based on a predetermined dataflow schedule that governs a propagation of data between a hierarchicalmemory structure of the integrated circuit and the integrated circuitarray of the integrated circuit.

In one embodiment, the integrated circuit array includes: a plurality ofarray cores, wherein each of the plurality of array cores comprises atleast one processing circuit for processing input data; a plurality ofborder cores, wherein each of the plurality of border cores comprises atleast one register file for storing input data; and the plurality ofarray cores are distinct from the plurality of border cores.

In one embodiment, the hierarchical memory structure enables directmemory access between a main memory and the integrated circuit array,the hierarchical memory structure includes: a plurality of dual FIFOsthat each interface with the integrated circuit array and transmits andaccepts data on a first-in, first-out basis, a plurality of peripheryload stores that each interface with a respective dual FIFO of theplurality of dual FIFOs and store one or more loads of data that iseither received from the respective dual FIFO and/or that is pending aloading into the respective dual FIFO, and a plurality of peripherymemory that each interface with a respective periphery load store of theplurality of periphery load stores and interfaces with the main memory.

In one embodiment, the method includes generating data movementinstructions based on attributes of the input dataset and anarchitecture of the integrated circuit array, wherein the data movementinstructions define the coarse data propagation path and the granulardata propagation path for each of the plurality of distinct data subsetsof the input dataset.

In one embodiment, the method includes generating data computationinstructions and/or execution instructions; and generating a single setof instructions that includes a combination of data movementinstructions together with one or more of data computation instructionsand execution instructions.

In one embodiment, generating data movement instructions includes:identifying, from the input dataset, each of the plurality of distinctsubsets of data based on a predefined configuration of the integratedcircuit array, wherein identifying each of the plurality of distinctsubsets of data includes: partitioning the input dataset into theplurality of distinct subsets of data to fit the predefinedconfiguration of the integrated circuit array.

In one embodiment, the method includes:

associating, with each of the plurality of distinct subsets of data ofthe input dataset, a given coarse data propagation path; andassociating, with each of the plurality of distinct subsets of data ofthe input dataset, a given granular data propagation path.

In one embodiment, the coarse data propagation path for each of theplurality of distinct subsets of data defines at least a startingposition of each of the plurality of distinct subsets of data and aterminal position of each of the plurality of distinct subsets of data.

In one embodiment, the granular data propagation path for each of theplurality of distinct subsets of data defines intermediary travelpositions that occur between the starting position and the terminalposition.

In one embodiment, the granular propagation path for each of theplurality of distinct subsets of data includes a sequence of datamovements comprising one or more data rotation instructions that, whenexecuted, causes a given subset of data of the plurality of distinctsubsets of data to move in a rotational manner from a first data port ofa core of the plurality of cores to one or more disparate data ports ofthe core.

In one embodiment, the one or more data rotation instructions includeone or more discrete rotation values defined as a specific degree ofrotation value defined as a degree of rotation between zero degrees andthree hundred sixty degrees and/or between zero degrees and negativethree hundred sixty degrees measured from an initial position of thegiven subset of data within the core.

In one embodiment, each data movement of a sequence of data movementsfor a given subset of data requires only a single clock cycle toexecute.

In one embodiment, the coarse data propagation path and the granulardata propagation path for each of the plurality of distinct subsets ofdata are performed without issuing memory address by the plurality ofcores.

In one embodiment, a method of propagating data within an integratedcircuit includes: obtaining an input dataset; implementing a coarse datapropagation path for each of a plurality of distinct subsets of data ofthe input dataset, wherein the coarse data propagation path includes:defined inter-core data movements for each of the plurality of distinctsubsets of data, the inter-core data movements defining a predeterminedtravel path of a given subset of data of the plurality of distinctsubsets of data through two or more of a plurality of cores of anintegrated circuit array of the integrated circuit; implementing agranular data propagation path for each of the plurality of distinctsubsets of data of the input dataset, wherein the granular datapropagation path includes: defined intra-core data movements for each ofthe plurality of distinct subsets of data, the intra-core data movementsdefining a predetermined travel path of the given subset of data of theplurality of distinct subsets of data within one or more of theplurality of cores of the integrated circuit array of the integratedcircuit; executing a flow of the input dataset within the integratedcircuit based on the coarse data propagation path and the granularpropagation path.

In one embodiment, each of the coarse data propagation path and thegranular data propagation path are defined based on a predetermined dataflow schedule that governs a propagation of data between a hierarchicalmemory structure of the integrated circuit and the data processingcircuits of the integrated circuit.

In one embodiment, the integrated circuit array includes: a plurality ofarray cores, wherein each of the plurality of array cores comprises atleast one processing circuit for processing input data; a plurality ofborder cores, wherein each of the plurality of border cores comprises atleast one register file for storing input data; and the plurality ofarray cores are distinct from the plurality of border cores.

In one embodiment, the hierarchical memory structure enables directmemory access between a main memory and the integrated circuit array,the hierarchical memory structure includes: a plurality of dual FIFOsthat each interface with the integrated circuit array and transmits andaccepts data on a first-in, first-out basis, a plurality of peripheryload stores that each interface with a respective dual FIFO of theplurality of dual FIFOs and store one or more loads of data that iseither received from the respective dual FIFO and/or that is pending aloading into the respective dual FIFO, and a plurality of peripherymemory that each interface with a respective periphery load store of theplurality of periphery load stores and interfaces with the main memory.

In one embodiment, a method of propagating data within an integratedcircuit includes: identifying an input dataset; executing a coarse datapropagation path for each of a plurality of distinct subsets of data ofthe input dataset, wherein the coarse data propagation path includes:defined inter-core data movements for each of the plurality of distinctsubsets of data, the inter-core data movements defining a predeterminedtravel path of a given subset of data of the plurality of distinctsubsets of data through two or more of a plurality of cores of anintegrated circuit array of the integrated circuit; executing a granulardata propagation path for each of the plurality of distinct subsets ofdata of the input dataset, wherein the granular data propagation pathincludes: defined intra-core data movements for each of the plurality ofdistinct subsets of data, the intra-core data movements defining apredetermined travel path of the given subset of data of the pluralityof distinct subsets of data within one or more of the plurality of coresof the integrated circuit array of the integrated circuit.

In one embodiment, the integrated circuit array includes: a plurality ofarray cores, wherein each of the plurality of array cores comprises atleast one processing circuit for processing input data; a plurality ofborder cores, wherein each of the plurality of border cores comprises atleast one register file for storing input data; and the plurality ofarray cores are distinct from the plurality of border cores.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of a system 100 in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 1A illustrates an annotated schematic of a system 100 in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed schematic of a segment of the integratedcircuit array 105 in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent application;

FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic of an instructions generator inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic of an integrated circuit controller inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present application; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 for implementing data control inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic of a coarse data propagation path withina section of an integrated circuit array in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present application; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic of a granular data propagation pathwithin a section of an integrated circuit array in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the present application.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of preferred embodiments of the presentapplication are not intended to limit the inventions to these preferredembodiments, but rather to enable any person skilled in the art of tomake and use these inventions.

I. Overview

As discussed above in the background section, the state of the art inintegrated circuit architecture lacks a suitable solution for handlingthe multitude of perception processing tasks of robotics and autonomousmachines. While GPUs may be modified with additional and/or disparatecircuitry to perform some of these perception processing requirements ofrobotics and autonomous machines, significant gaps in a GPU's processingcapabilities exist such that the resulting performance is low and not inreal-time. Other perception processing circuits may exist includingneural network-specific processors, computer-vision-specific processors,and the like; however, none of these provide a single comprehensiveintegrated circuit that is capable of processing the many disparateperception algorithms and computations needed for sensor acquisition,sensor fusion, perception processing, path planning, and the like.

Accordingly, one or more embodiments of the present application functionto provide a comprehensive optimized compute platform for processingperception algorithms, perception data (e.g., sensor data and the like),and various perception processing requirements of robotics andautonomous machines. In preferred embodiments, the optimized computeplatform may be implemented as a high performance and real-timeprocessing dense algorithm processing unit (DAPU) and/or perceptionprocessing unit (PPU). In one or more implementations, the integratedcircuit disclosed in the various embodiments of the present applicationincludes an array core having a plurality of disparate processingelements and data flow and storage elements that operate to form a mesharchitecture enabling the movement of data among and between manycombinations of processing elements within the array core.

The mesh architecture defined by the plurality of processing elements inthe array core preferably enable in-memory computing and mitigatecommunication and data processing latencies.

II. A System Architecture of a Dense Algorithm and/or PerceptionProcessing Circuit (Unit)

As shown in FIGS. 1-1A, the integrated circuit too (dense algorithmand/or perception processing unit) for performing perception processingincludes a plurality of array cores no, a plurality of border cores 120,a dispatcher (main controller) 130, a first plurality of peripherycontrollers 140, a second plurality of periphery controllers 150, andmain memory 160. The integrated circuit 100 may additionally include afirst periphery load store 145, a second periphery load store 155, afirst periphery memory 147, a second periphery memory 157, a firstplurality of dual FIFOs 149, and a second plurality of dual FIFOs 159.

The integrated circuit 100 preferably functions to enable real-time andhigh computing efficiency of perception data and/or sensor data. Ageneral configuration of the integrated circuit 100 includes a pluralityof array core 110 defining central signal and data processing nodes eachhaving large register files that may eliminate or significantly reduceclock cycles needed by an array core 110 for pulling and pushing datafor processing from memory, as described in U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/640,478 and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/290,064, whichare incorporated in their entireties by this reference. The instructions(i.e., computation/execution and data movement instructions) generatingcapabilities of the integrated circuit 100 (e.g., via the dispatcher 130and/or a compiler module 175) functions to enable a continuity and flowof data throughout the integrated circuit 100 and namely, within theplurality of array cores 110 and border cores 120.

An array core no preferably functions as a data or signal processingnode (e.g., a small microprocessor) or processing circuit andpreferably, includes a register file 112 having a large data storagecapacity (e.g., 1024 kb, etc.) and an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) 118 orany suitable digital electronic circuit that performs arithmetic andbitwise operations on integer binary numbers. In a preferred embodiment,the register file 112 of an array core 110 may be the only memoryelement that the processing circuits of an array core 110 may havedirect access to. An array core 110 may have indirect access to memoryoutside of the array core and/or the integrated circuit array 105 (i.e.,core mesh) defined by the plurality of border cores 120 and theplurality of array cores 110.

The register file 112 of an array core 110 may be any suitable memoryelement or device, but preferably comprises one or more staticrandom-access memories (SRAMs). The register file 112 may include alarge number of registers, such as 1024 registers, that enables thestorage of a sufficiently large data set for processing by the arraycore 110. Accordingly, a technical benefit achieved by an arrangement ofthe large register file 112 within each array core 110 is that the largeregister file 112 reduces a need by an array core 110 to fetch and loaddata into its register file 112 for processing. As a result, a number ofclock cycles required by the array core 112 to push data into and pulldata out of memory is significantly reduced or eliminated altogether.That is, the large register file 112 increases the efficiencies ofcomputations performed by an array core 110 because most, if not all, ofthe data that the array core 110 is scheduled to process is locatedimmediately next to the processing circuitry (e.g., one or more MACs,ALU, etc.) of the array core 110. For instance, when implementing imageprocessing by the integrated circuit 100 or related system using aneural network algorithm(s) or application(s) (e.g., convolutionalneural network algorithms or the like), the large register file 112 ofan array core may function to enable a storage of all the image datarequired for processing an entire image. Accordingly, most or if not,all layer data of a neural network implementation (or similarcompute-intensive application) may be stored locally in the largeregister file 112 of an array core 110 with the exception of weights orcoefficients of the neural network algorithm(s), in some embodiments.Accordingly, this allows for optimal utilization of the computing and/orprocessing elements (e.g., the one or more MACs and ALU) of an arraycore 110 by enabling an array core 110 to constantly churn data of theregister file 112 and further, limiting the fetching and loading of datafrom an off-array core data source (e.g., main memory, periphery memory,etc.).

By comparison, to traverse a register file in a traditional systemimplemented by a GPU or the like, it is typically required that memoryaddresses be issued for fetching data from memory. However, in apreferred embodiment that implements the large register file 112, the(raw) input data within the register file 112 may be automaticallyincremented from the register file 112 and data from neighboring core(s)(e.g., array cores and/or border cores) are continuously sourced to theregister file 112 to enable a continuous flow to the computing elementsof the array core 110 without an express need to make a request (orissuing memory addresses) by the array core 110.

While in some embodiments of the present application, a predetermineddata flow scheduled may mitigate or altogether, eliminate requests fordata by components within the integrated circuit array 105, in a variantof these embodiments traditional random memory access may be achieved bycomponents of the integrated circuit array 105. That is, if an arraycore 110 or a border core 120 recognizes a need for a random piece ofdata for processing, the array core 110 and/or the border 120 may make aspecific request for data from any of the memory elements within thememory hierarchy of the integrated circuit 100.

An array core 110 may, additionally or alternatively, include aplurality of multiplier (multiply) accumulators (MACs) 114 or anysuitable logic devices or digital circuits that may be capable ofperforming multiply and summation functions. In a preferred embodiment,each array core 110 includes four (4) MACs and each MAC 114 may bearranged at or near a specific side of a rectangular shaped array core110, as shown by way of example in FIG. 2. While, in a preferredembodiment each of the plurality of MACs 114 of an array core 110 may bearranged near or at the respective sides of the array core 110, it shallbe known that the plurality of MACs 114 may be arranged within (orpossibly augmented to a periphery of an array core) the array core 110in any suitable arrangement, pattern, position, and the like includingat the respective corners of an array core 110. In a preferredembodiment, the arrangement of the plurality of MACs 114 along the sidesof an array core 110 enables efficient inflow or capture of input datareceived from one or more of the direct neighboring cores (i.e., anadjacent neighboring core) and the computation thereof by the array core110 of the integrated circuit 100.

Accordingly, each of the plurality of MACs 114 positioned within anarray core 110 may function to have direct communication capabilitieswith neighboring cores (e.g., array cores, border cores, etc.) withinthe integrated circuit 100. The plurality of MACs 114 may additionallyfunction to execute computations using data (e.g., operands) sourcedfrom the large register file 112 of an array core 110. However, theplurality of MACs 114 preferably function to source data for executingcomputations from one or more of their respective neighboring core(s)and/or a weights or coefficients (constants) bus 116 that functions totransfer coefficient or weight inputs of one or more algorithms(including machine learning algorithms) from one or more memory elements(e.g., main memory 160 or the like) or one or more input sources.

The weights bus 116 may be operably placed in electrical communicationwith at least one or more of periphery controllers 140, 150 at a firstinput terminal and additionally, operably connected with one or more ofthe plurality of array core 110. In this way, the weight bus 116 mayfunction to collect weights and coefficients data input from the one ormore periphery controllers 140, 150 and transmit the weights andcoefficients data input directly to one or more of the plurality ofarray cores 110. Accordingly, in some embodiments, multiple array cores110 may be fed weights and/or coefficients data input via the weightsbus 116 in parallel to thereby improve the speed of computation of thearray cores 110.

Each array core 110 preferably functions to bi-directionally communicatewith its direct neighbors. That is, in some embodiments, a respectivearray core 110 may be configured as a processing node having arectangular shape and arranged such that each side of the processingnode may be capable of interacting with another node (e.g., anotherprocessing node, a data storage/movement node, etc.) that is positionednext to one of the four sides or each of the faces of the array core110. The ability of an array core no to bi-directionally communicatewith a neighboring core along each of its sides enables the array coreno to pull in data from any of its neighbors as well as push (processedor raw) data to any of its neighbors. This enables a mesh communicationarchitecture that allows for efficient movement of data throughout thecollection of array and border cores no, 120 of the integrated circuit100.

Each of the plurality of border cores 120 preferably includes a registerfile 122. The register file 122 may be configured similar to theregister file 112 of an array core 110 in that the register file 122 mayfunction to store large datasets. Preferably, each border core 120includes a simplified architecture when compared to an array core 110.Accordingly, a border core 120 in some embodiments may not includeexecution capabilities and therefore, may not includemultiplier-accumulators and/or an arithmetic logic unit as provided inmany of the array cores 110.

In a traditional integrated circuit (e.g., a GPU or the like), wheninput image data (or any other suitable sensor data) received forprocessing compute-intensive application (e.g., neural networkalgorithm) within such a circuit, it may be necessary to issue paddingrequests to areas within the circuit which do not include image values(e.g., pixel values) based on the input image data. That is, duringimage processing or the like, the traditional integrated circuit mayfunction to perform image processing from a memory element that does notcontain any image data value. In such instances, the traditionalintegrated circuit may function to request that a padding value, such aszero, be added to the memory element to avoid subsequent imageprocessing efforts at the memory element without an image data value. Aconsequence of this typical image data processing by the traditionalintegrated circuit results in a number of clock cycles spent identifyingthe blank memory element and adding a computable value to the memoryelement for image processing or the like by the traditional integratedcircuit.

In a preferred implementation of the integrated circuit 100, one or moreof the plurality of border cores 120 may function to automatically setto a default value when no input data (e.g., input sensor data) isreceived. For instance, input image data from a sensor (or anothercircuit layer) may have a total image data size that does not occupy allborder core cells of the integrated circuit array 105. In such instance,upon receipt of the input image data, the one or more border cores 120(i.e., border core cells) without input image data may be automaticallyset to a default value, such as zero or a non-zero constant value.

In some embodiments, the predetermined input data flow schedulegenerated by the dispatcher and sent to one or more of the plurality ofborder cores may include instructions to set to a default or apredetermined constant value. Additionally, or alternatively, the one ormore border cores 120 may be automatically set to a default or apredetermined value when it is detected that no input sensor data or thelike is received with a predetermined input data flow to the integratedcircuit array 105. Additionally, or alternatively, in one variation, theone or more border cores 120 may be automatically set to reflect valuesof one or more other border cores having input sensor data when it isdetected that no input sensor data or the like is received with apredetermined input data flow to the integrated circuit array 105.

Accordingly, a technical benefit achieved according to theimplementation of one or more of the plurality of border cores 120 asautomatic padding elements, may include increasing efficiencies incomputation by one or more of the plurality of array cores 110 byminimizing work requests to regions of interest (or surrounding areas)of input sensor data where automatic padding values have been set.Thereby, reducing clock cycles used by the plurality of array core 110in performing computations on an input dataset.

In a preferred implementation of the integrated circuit 100, theprogression of data into the plurality of array cores 110 and theplurality of border cores 120 for processing is preferably based on apredetermined data flow schedule generated at the dispatcher 130. Thepredetermined data flow schedule enables input data from one or moresources (e.g., sensors, other NN layers, an upstream device, etc.) to beloaded into the border cores 120 and array cores 110 without requiringan explicit request for the input data from the border cores 120 and/orarray cores 110. That is, the predetermined data flow schedule enablesan automatic flow of raw data from memory elements (e.g., main memory160) of the integrated circuit 100 to the plurality of border cores 120and the plurality of array cores 110 having capacity to accept data forprocessing. For instance, in the case that an array core 110 functionsto process a first subset of data of a data load stored in its registerfile 112, once the results of the processing of the first subset of datais completed and sent out from the array core 110, the predetermineddata flow schedule may function to enable an automatic flow of raw datainto the array core 110 that adds to the data load at the register file112 and replaces the first subset of data that was previously processedby the array core no. Accordingly, in such instance, no explicit requestfor additional raw data for processing is required from the array coreno. Rather, the integrated circuit 100 implementing the dispatcher 130may function to recognize that once the array core 110 has processedsome amount of data sourced from its register file 112 (or elsewhere)that the array core 110 may have additional capacity to acceptadditional data for processing.

In a preferred embodiment, the integrated circuit 100 may be in operablecommunication with an instructions generator 170 that functions togenerate computation, execution, and data movement instructions, asshown by way of example in FIG. 3A. The instructions generator 170 maybe arranged off-chip relative to the components and circuitry of theintegrated 100. However, in alternative embodiments, the instructionsgenerator 170 may be cooperatively integrated within the integratedcircuit 100 as a distinct or integrated component of the dispatcher 130.

Preferably, the instructions generator 170 may be implemented using oneor more general purpose computers (e.g., a Mac computer, Linux computer,or any suitable hardware computer) or general purpose computerprocessing (GPCP) units 171 that function to operate a compiler module175 that is specifically configured to generate multiple and/ordisparate types of instructions. The compiler module 175 may beimplemented using any suitable compiler software (e.g., a GNU CompilerCollection (GCC), a Clang compiler, and/or any suitable open sourcecompiler or other compiler). The compiler module 175 may function togenerate at least computation instructions and execution instructions aswell as data movement instructions. In a preferred embodiment, atcompile time, the compiler module 175 may be executed by the one or moreGPCP units 171 to generate the two or more sets of instructionscomputation/execution instructions and data movement instructionssequentially or in parallel. In some embodiments, the compiler module175 may function to synthesize multiple sets of disparate instructionsinto a single composition instruction set that may be loaded into memory(e.g., instructions buffer, an external DDR, SPI flash memory, or thelike) from which the dispatcher may fetch the single compositioninstruction set from and execute.

In a first variation, however, once the compiler module 175 generatesthe multiple disparate sets of instructions, such as computationinstructions and data movement instructions, the instructions generator170 may function to load the instructions sets into a memory (e.g.,memory 160 or off-chip memory associated with the generator 170). Insuch embodiments, the dispatcher 130 may function to fetch the multiplesets of disparate instructions generated by the instructions generator170 from memory and synthesize the multiple sets of disparateinstructions into a single composition instruction set that thedispatcher may execute and/or load within the integrated circuit 100.

In a second variation, the dispatcher 130 may be configured withcompiling functionality to generate the single composition instructionset. In such variation, the dispatcher 130 may include processingcircuitry (e.g., microprocessor or the like) that function to createinstructions that include scheduled computations or executions to beperformed by various circuits and/or components (e.g., array corecomputations) of the integrated circuit 100 and further, createinstructions that enable a control a flow of input data through theintegrated circuit 100. In some embodiments, the dispatcher 130 mayfunction to execute part of the instructions and load another part ofthe instructions into the integrated circuit array 105. In general, thedispatcher 130 may function as a primary controller of the integratedcircuit 100 that controls and manages access to a flow (movement) ofdata from memory to the one or more other storage and/or processingcircuits of the integrated circuit 100 (and vice versa). Additionally,the dispatcher 130 may schedule control execution operations of thevarious sub-controllers (e.g., periphery controllers, etc.) and theplurality of array cores 110.

As shown by way of example in FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, theprocessing circuitry of the dispatcher 130 includes disparate circuitryincluding a compute instruction generator circuit 132 and a datamovement instructions generator circuit 134 (e.g., address generationunit or address computation unit) that may independently generatecomputation/execution instructions and data transfers/movementsschedules or instructions, respectively. Accordingly, this configurationenables the dispatcher 130 to perform data address calculation andgeneration of computation/execution instructions in parallel. Thedispatcher 130 may function to synthesize the output from both thecomputer instructions generator circuit 132 and the data movementinstructions generator circuit 134 into a single instructionscomposition that combines the disparate outputs.

The single instructions composition generated by the instructionsgenerator 170 and/or the dispatcher 130 may be provided to the one ormore downstream components and integrated circuit array 105 and allowfor computation or processing instructions and data transfer/movementinstructions to be performed simultaneously by these various circuits orcomponents of the integrated circuit 100. With respect to the integratedcircuit array 105, the data movement component of the singleinstructions composition may be performed by one or more of peripherycontrollers 140, 150 and compute instructions by one or more of theplurality of array cores 110. Accordingly, in such embodiment, theperiphery controllers 140, 150 may function to decode the data movementcomponent of the instructions and if involved, may perform operations toread from or write to the dual FIFOs 149, 159 and move that data fromthe dual FIFOs 149, 159 onto a data bus to the integrated circuit (orvice versa). It shall be understood that the read or write operationsperformed by periphery controllers 140, 150 may performed sequentiallyor simultaneously (i.e., writing to and reading from dual FIFOs at thesame time).

It shall be noted that while the compute instructions generator circuit132 and the data movement instructions generator circuit 134 arepreferably separate or independent circuits, in some embodiments thecompute instructions generator circuit 132 and the data movementinstructions generator circuit 134 may be implemented by a singlecircuit or a single module that functions to perform both computeinstructions generation and data movement instruction generation.

In operation, the dispatcher 130 may function to generate and schedulememory addresses to be loaded into one or more the periphery load store145 and the periphery load store 155. The periphery load stores 145, 155preferably include specialized execution units that function to executeall load and store instructions from the dispatcher 130 and maygenerally function to load or fetch data from memory or storing the databack to memory from the integrated array core. The first periphery loadstore 145 preferably communicably and operably interfaces with both thefirst plurality of dual FIFOs 149 and the first periphery memory 147.The first and the second periphery memory 147, 157 preferably compriseon-chip static random-access memory.

In configuration, the first periphery load store 145 may be arrangedbetween the first plurality of dual FIFOs 149 and the first peripherymemory 147 such that the first periphery load store 145 is positionedimmediately next to or behind the first plurality of dual FIFOs 149.Similarly, the second periphery load store 155 preferably communicablyand operably interfaces with both the second plurality of dual FIFOs 159and the second periphery memory 157. Accordingly, the second peripheryload store 155 may be arranged between the second plurality of dualFIFOs 159 and the second periphery memory 157 such that the secondperiphery load store 155 is positioned immediately next to or behind thesecond plurality of dual FIFOs 159.

In response to memory addressing instructions issued by the dispatcher130 to one or more of the first and the second periphery load stores145, 155, the first and the second periphery load stores 145, 155 mayfunction to execute the instructions to fetch data from one of the firstperiphery memory 147 and the second periphery memory 157 and move thefetched data into one or more of the first and second plurality of dualFIFOs 149, 159. Additionally, or alternatively, the dual FIFOs 149, 159may function to read data from a data bus and move the read data to oneor more of the respective dual FIFOs or read data from one or more ofthe dual FIFOs and move the read data to a data bus. Similarly, memoryaddressing instructions may cause one or more of the first and thesecond periphery load stores 145, 155 to move data collected from one ormore of the plurality of dual FIFOs 149, 159 into one of the first andsecond periphery memory 147, 157.

Each of the first plurality of dual FIFOs 149 and each of the secondplurality of dual FIFOs 159 preferably comprises at least two memoryelements (not shown). Preferably, the first plurality of dual FIFOs 149may be arranged along a first side of the integrated circuit array 105with each of the first plurality of dual FIFOs 149 being aligned with arow of the integrated circuit array 105. Similarly, the second pluralityof dual FIFOs 159 may be arranged along a second side of the integratedcircuit array 105 with each of the second plurality of dual FIFOs 159being aligned with a column of the integrated circuit array 105. Thisarrangement preferably enables each border 120 along the first side ofthe integrated circuit array 105 to communicably and operably interfacewith at least one of the first periphery controllers 145 and each border120 along the second side of the integrated circuit array 105 tocommunicably and operably interface with at least one of the secondperiphery controllers 155.

While it is illustrated in at least FIGS. 1-1A that there are a firstand second plurality of dual FIFOs, first and second peripherycontrollers, first and second periphery memories, and first and secondload stores, it shall be noted that these structures may be arranged tosurround an entire periphery of the integrated circuit array 105 suchthat, for instance, these components are arranged along all (four) sidesof the integrated circuit array 105.

The dual FIFOs 149, 159 preferably function to react to specificinstructions for data from their respective side. That is, the dualFIFOs 149, 159 may be configured to identify data movement instructionsfrom the dispatcher 130 that is specific to either the first pluralityof dual FIFOs 149 along the first side or the second plurality of dualFIFOs along the second side of the integrated circuit array 105.

According to a first implementation, each of the dual FIFOs may usefirst of the two memory elements to push data into the integratedcircuit array 105 and second of the two memory elements to pull datafrom the integrated circuit array 105. Thus, each dual FIFO 149, 159 mayhave a first memory element dedicated for moving data inward into theintegrated circuit array 105 and a second memory element dedicated formoving data outward from the integrated circuit array 105.

According to a second implementation, the dual FIFOs may be operated ina stack (second) mode in which each respective dual FIFO functions toprovide data into the integrated circuit array 105 in a predeterminedsequence or order and collect the data from the integrated circuit array105 in the same predetermined sequence or order.

Additionally, the integrated circuit 100 preferably includes main memory160 comprising a single unified memory. The main memory 160 preferablyfunctions to store data originating from one or more sensors,system-derived or generated data, data from one or more integratedcircuit layers, data from one or more upstream devices or components,and the like. Preferably, the main memory 160 comprises on-chip staticrandom-access memory or the like.

Additionally, or alternatively, main memory 160 may include multiplelevels of on-die (on-chip) memory. In such embodiments, the main memory160 may include multiple memory (e.g., SRAM) elements that may be inelectrical communication with each other and function as a singleunified memory that is arranged on a same die as the integrated circuitarray 105.

Additionally, or alternatively, main memory 160 may include multiplelevels of off-die (off-chip) memory (not shown). In such embodiments,the main memory 160 may include multiple memory (e.g., DDR SRAM, highbandwidth memory (HBM), etc.) elements that may be in electricalcommunication with each other and function as a single unified memorythat is arranged on a separate die than the integrated circuit array.

It shall be noted that in some embodiments, the integrated circuit 100includes main memory 160 comprising memory arranged on-die and off-die.In such embodiments, the on-die and the off-die memory of the mainmemory 160 may function as a single unified memory accessible to theon-die components of the integrated circuit 100.

Each of the first periphery memory 147 and the second periphery memory157 may port into the main memory 160. Between the first peripherymemory 147 and the main memory 160 may be arranged a load store unitthat enables the first periphery memory 147 to fetch data from the mainmemory 160. Similarly, between the second periphery memory 157 and themain memory 160 may be arranged a second load store unit that enablesthe second periphery memory 157 to fetch data from the main memory 160.

It shall be noted that the data transfers along the memory hierarchy ofthe integrated circuit 100 occurring between dual FIFOs 149, 159 and theload stores 145, 155, between the load stores 145, 155 and the peripherymemory 147, 157, and the periphery memory 147, 157 and the main memory160 may preferably be implemented as prescheduled or predetermineddirect memory access (DMA) transfers that enable the memory elements andload stores to independently access and transfer data within the memoryhierarchy without direct invention of the dispatcher 130 or some mainprocessing circuit. Additionally, the data transfers within the memoryhierarchy of the integrated circuit 100 may be implemented as 2D DMAtransfers having two counts and two strides thereby allowing forefficient data access and data reshaping during transfers. In apreferred embodiment, the DMA data transfers may be triggered by astatus or operation of one or more of the plurality of array cores 110.For instance, if an array core is completing or has completed aprocessing of first set of data, the completion or near-completion maytrigger the DMA transfers to enable additional data to enter theintegrated circuit array 105 for processing.

III. Method(s) for Data Control within an Integrated Circuit Array

As shown in FIG. 4, a method 400 for controlling a movement of datawithin an integrated circuit includes receiving data input S410,generating data movement instructions S420, and synthesizing (and/ortethering) instructions S430. The generating data movement instructionsS420 may additionally or optionally include identifying disparate datasubsets S422 and generating a data propagation path for each of theidentified disparate data subsets S424.

The method 400 preferably functions to optimize a propagation of datawithin an integrated circuit which enables a continuity of data flowthat improves a processing efficiency of the integrated circuit byreducing data duplication in memory and reducing clock cycles requiredfor obtaining and processing data. Specifically, the method 400 enablesthe generation of a predetermined data flow schedule that includes broadand/or coarse data propagation paths for a plurality of subsets of dataas well as specific and/or granular data propagation paths for each ofthe plurality of subsets of data throughout an integrated circuit.

Additionally, the method 400 preferably generates instructions to movedata input in a predetermined manner throughout the storage (memory) andprocessing elements of an integrated circuit and may further, integratethe data movement instructions with computation and/or executioninstructions. This, in turn, functions to eliminate requests for dataand issuing addresses to memory for specific data that is required forcompleting a computation instruction and/or an execution instruction.That is, in a traditional integrated circuit or the like, data requiredfor processing is typically pulled into the circuit using addresses tomemory by the circuit or device that requires the data. However, themethod 400 may function to push data into an integrated circuit forstoring and processing by circuits and/or devices of the integratedcircuit thereby reducing a number of clock cycles typically associatedwith memory addressing from data processing circuits and improving theprocessing speed and performance of the integrated circuit.

S410, which includes receiving input data, functions to receive and/orcollect input data for processing from one or more input data sources.The input data may be any type or kind of data. For instance, the inputdata may include data capture by one or more external sensors that maybe placed in operable communication with a system (e.g., integratedcircuit 100) implementing the method 400. The data collected at the oneor more sensors may include image data, acoustic data, thermal data,microwave data, and the like. It shall be noted that data collected atthe one or more sensors may include any suitable data that is detectable(e.g., via the one or more sensors) and that may be captured by the oneor more sensors, the data may include any data relating to thesurroundings and/or circumstances surrounding a system implementing themethod 400 and/or the data may include data collected from disparate orconnected systems (e.g., another system connected via a network (meshnetwork or the like)) that may be provided via a communication networkto a machine implementing the method 400, and/or the data may includeinternal/external operational data of a machine implementing the method400.

In some implementations of S410, the data provided as input into anintegrated circuit or system implementing the method 400 includessystem-derived data that is generated as a result of a prior processingof raw data (e.g., raw sensor data) or potentially a prior processing ofpreviously processed data. For instance, in a multi-tiered ormulti-layered system that includes multiple tiers or layers ofprocessing circuitry, raw data processed at a first processing layer ofthe multi-level system may be provided as input into a subsequentprocessing layer that may function to implement the method 400.Accordingly, the data collected at S410 may be sourced from a prior orupstream processing layer of a single integrated system or the like.

In some implementations of S410, the data provided as input into anintegrated circuit or system implementing the method 400 includessystem-derived data generated by an upstream device. The upstream devicemay be an on-chip device or circuit that is in operable communicationwith the primary processing circuits (e.g., the integrated circuit array105). Additionally, or alternatively, the upstream device may be anoff-chip device or circuit that provides data to on-chip devices orcircuits that may be in operable communication the primary processingcircuits of a system implementing the method 400. In either case, theoff-chip and/or the on-chip device or circuit may function to performone or more pre-processing or storage functions of the data prior totransmitting the data to the primary processing circuits for processing.

S420, which includes generating data movement instructions, functions togenerate instructions that govern a manner in which the received and/orthe collected data propagates preferably within a system implementingthe method 400. Specifically, S420 may include generating data movementinstructions that include a predetermined data flow schedule thatcoarsely and granularly defines a movement of distinct subsets of datathroughout an integrated circuit. In a preferred embodiment, S420 may beperformed by an instructions generator 170 and/or a dispatcher circuit(e.g., dispatcher 130) that may function to generate a collection ofinstructions that include computation instructions (e.g., add x+y,etc.), execution instructions (e.g., read, write, store, etc.), datamovement instructions, and/or any suitable instructions for processingdata within a system implementing the method 400.

Preferably, the data movement instructions generated by a dispatcher oran instructions generator may be integrated with other instructions intoa single composition instruction set. In this combined state or format,the data movement instructions and the other instructions may bereceived by one or more circuits and/or nodes in an integrated circuit(or system) as a singular instruction packet thereby allowing some orall of the instructions within the instructions packet to be performedin parallel.

In a preferred embodiment, S420 may function to generate data movementinstructions for the received and/or the collected data in parallel(simultaneously) with the generation of other computational and/orexecutional instructions. In such embodiment, S420 may function toimplement a single module or multiple, disparate modules (at thedispatcher) that enable the generation of the data movement instructionsas well as the computational and/or execution instructions at the sametime. Additionally, or alternatively, S420 may function to generate datamovement instructions along with computational and/or executionalinstructions in any suitable order including in a sequential order, aprioritized order, and the like.

Preferably, S420 may function to generate data movement instructions fora dataset based on one or more of attributes (e.g., data size, a numberof data layers, data dependencies, and/or the like) of the dataset andone or more attributes of the integrated circuit array of an integratedcircuit executing the method 400.

Additionally, or alternatively, S420 includes identifying disparate datasubsets from the received and/or collected input dataset S422. In apreferred embodiment, S422 may function to identify the disparate datasubsets based on a configuration and/or an arrangement of an integratedcircuit array of a system implementing the method 400. The integratedcircuit array (e.g., integrated circuit array 105) preferably includes aplurality of border cores (e.g., border cores 120) and a plurality ofarray cores (array cores 110) arranged in a predetermined or fixedmanner. Accordingly, S422 may function to partition or segment thereceived or the collected input data into disparate data subsets to fitor optimize an arrangement of the data subsets based on a capacity ofthe predetermined arrangement or the predetermined configuration of theintegrated circuit array. For instance, in the case that the receivedinput data comprises image data, S422 may function to fit all pixels ofthe image data to the predetermined configuration of the integratedcircuit array by partitioning the image data into disparate data subsets(i.e., subsets of pixel data of an entire image) where each of thedisparate data subsets may be loaded (or allocated) onto the integratedcircuit array such that each disparate data subset occupies a disparatearray core or border core within the integrated circuit array.

Additionally, or alternatively, S420 may function to partition orsegment an input dataset into subsets based on a configuration of thearray cores of an integrated circuit array. In such embodiments, S420may function to partition an input dataset to a size that matches orthat is lower than a capacity of a computational and/or processingelement of a respective array core. For instance, an array core mayinclude a plurality of MAC computing elements with a predeterminedcapacity to receive and compute against data of a specific size. In suchexample, S420 may function to create, from a larger dataset, a pluralityof smaller or subsets of data having a size that matches the capacity oris smaller than a capacity of a respective MAC of an array core.

Additionally, for each identified data subset, S420 may function toidentify a propagation path S424. Preferably, the propagation path foreach data subset identifies at least a starting position of a specificdata subset and a terminal position of the specific data subset.Additionally, or alternatively, the propagation path may includeintermediary travel positions of the data subset that occur between thestarting position and the terminal position. Accordingly, S424 mayfunction to assign an initial (starting) position of the data subsetwithin an integrated circuit array. In a preferred embodiment, most orall data subsets may be assigned an initial position within theintegrated circuit array at a border core. In one or more preferredembodiments, a plurality of border cores may form the periphery of anintegrated circuit array. In such embodiments, data scheduled forprocessing may be loaded into an integrated circuit array by firstloading the data at the border cores that form the outer periphery ofthe integrated circuit array.

It shall be noted, however, that while in some embodiments the datasubsets may be injected into the integrated circuit array at aperipheral border core (e.g., a potential starting and/or endingposition of a data propagation), the data subsets in additional oralternative embodiments may be injected directly into any array core orborder core of an integrated circuit array. Specifically, in someembodiments, data subsets may bypass peripheral cores of an integratedcircuit array via one or more data buses connected to a data loadingmechanism (e.g., periphery controllers or the like) and one or morecores in an interior of an integrated circuit array.

Accordingly, S424 may function to generate a coarse propagation path foreach of the identified data subsets which indicate a general propagationpath along the integrated circuit as identified by the two or more nodes(i.e., border and/or array cores) that an identified data subset maytraverse prior to, during, and/or post processing, as shown by way ofexample in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the coarse propagation path maybe referred to herein as or include inter-core data movements defining atravel path or routing of the data subset between cores of theintegrated circuit array 105 or the like.

S424 may additionally or alternatively generate a granular propagationpath that precisely identifies one or more movements of an identifieddata subset within a border core and/or within an array core, as shownby way of example in FIG. 6. Generally, the granular propagation pathprovides data movement instructions that enables the data subset tophysically traverse between cores of an integrated circuit array byidentifying a sequence of internal (incoming/outgoing) data ports and/orprocessing elements (e.g., MACs) of the cores through which the datasubset should travel. In a preferred embodiment, the granularpropagation path for an identified data subset may include a sequence ofintra-core data movements that define a movement of a data subset [i]between one or more register files of a core and the internal data portsof the core and [ii] movements of the data subset between disparateinternal data ports and/or processing elements of a core. Additionally,or alternatively, the granular propagation path for an identified datasubset may include a sequence of intra-core movements of the data subsetbetween an internal data port of at a least a first core and an internaldata port of a second core. The granular propagation path mayadditionally define movements of the data subset between an internaldata port of a core and a port of a periphery controller or the like andmovements between ports and/or register files of a core and data busesarranged within the integrated circuit. Accordingly, the granularpropagation path may include instructions for entrance into one or moreprocessing elements of a core as well as an exit out of the one or moreprocessing elements of the core.

In one implementation, S424 may function to generate a granularpropagation path defining a sequence of data movements comprising one ormore data rotation instructions that, when executed, causes a datasubset to move in a rotational manner from a first data port of a coreto a disparate data port of the same core. Additionally, oralternatively, the sequence of data movements may be between processingelements (e.g., MACs) and/or data ports of a core. Accordingly, a datarotation as referred to herein preferably relates to moving data withina core (e.g., a border core, an array core, etc.) in a rotational mannerbased on rotational instructions. The rotational instructions arepreferably defined as a degree of rotation between zero and threehundred sixty (0 to 360) (and/or −360 to 0) measured from an initialposition (i.e., data port position within a core) of a data subset.

As further shown in FIG. 6, a core may include at least four data portsthat may function to store incoming and/or outgoing data subsets. Eachdata port may include one or more incoming register files that mayfunction to receive and store data subsets incoming from a disparatecore, register file, or data port and one or more outgoing registerfiles that may function to store and transmit data subsets outgoing to adisparate core, register file, or data port. In one example, S424 mayfunction to generate a granular propagation path including data rotationinstructions that enables a data subset to traverse a 3×3 filter forprocessing a subset of an image by rotating between data ports of bordercores until the data subset arrives within a data port of an array corethat may function to process the data subset. In this example, S424 mayfunction to generate an optimized data rotation sequence that transportsthe data subset from the border core to an array core for processing inthe most efficient path. As a first example of data rotationinstructions, S424 may generate the data rotation instructions[R270-border core_1, R90-border core_4]; executing R270-border core_1would cause the data subset to rotate 270 degrees from data port_1 ofborder core_1 to an outgoing register file of data port_4 of bordercore_1 at which point the data subset is transferred from border core_1to an incoming register file of data port_2 of border core_4. ExecutingR90-border core_4 would cause the data subset to rotate 90 degrees fromdata port_2 of border core_4 to data port_3 of border core_4 at whichpoint the data subset is transferred from border core_4 to an incomingregister file of data port_1 of the array core.

It shall be noted that, while in some embodiments the data may berotated via direct transmissions between data ports of a core, data mayalso be transmitted in a linear fashion between cores using anintermediary such as a central or main (large) register file of a core.For instance, a data subset at a first data port of a core may becollected and transmitted by a central register file of the core to asecond data port of the core.

Further, while it is generally shown that a core may have four dataports located at sides of the core, it shall be noted that a core mayhave more than four data ports that can be located at its corners orlocated in such a manner that a core may transmit or collect data fromits diagonal neighbors in addition to its lateral neighbors.

Additionally, or alternatively, S424 may function to generate datarotation instructions for a dataset that may be executed on a per clockcycle basis. That is, each data rotation instruction of a sequence ofdata rotation instructions for a data subset may require a single clockcycle. For instance, the data rotation instructions including thesequence [(1) R270-border core_1, (2) R90-border core_4] may require atleast two clock cycles to execute the two data movement instructions. Itshall be noted that, while in the above-described example that eachdisparate data rotation instruction may be executed per clock cycle,multiple data rotation instructions may be executed per clock cycle fora single data subset.

In a second implementation, S424 may function to generate a granulardata propagation path based on identifying a series of data movementsbased on data port identification values. In such implementation, eachdata port of a core may be assigned a data port identification value.The data movement instructions of a granular data propagation path maybe defined by a series of data port identification values, such as forexample: [(1) south port-border core_1, (2) east port-border core_4]. Inthis example, a data subset may move from a first data port of bordercore_1 to the south port and then from a first port of border core_4 toan east port. The port identification values may be any type of valueand/or combination of characters and/or symbols.

S430, which includes synthesizing instructions, functions to generateand/or compose a single set of instructions that includes a combinationof data movement instructions together with one or more of computationinstructions and execution instructions. S430 may function to synthesizedata movement instructions with computation and/or executioninstructions in any suitable manner that enables the different type ofinstructions included in the composition to be executed in parallel, inseries, and/or in a combination of in series and in parallel.

Accordingly, S430 may function to tether the single compositioninstruction set to a specific data subset such that the data subset andthe single composition instruction set move jointly throughout anintegrated circuit array. Alternatively, S430 may function to load thesingle composition instruction set into an integrated circuit arrayseparately from an associated data subset.

S440, which includes executing the data movement instructions, mayfunction to enable an execution of data movement instructions for agiven dataset and/or each of a plurality of distinct data subsetsderived from the given dataset. The execution of the data movementinstructions may include an execution of the instructions by one or moreof a plurality of periphery controllers.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the execution of the data movementinstructions in S440 may additionally function to trigger an automaticflow of data within an integrated circuit executing the method 400according to the predetermined data flow schedule. In such embodiments,once an execution of the data movement instructions is performed, aninput dataset may flow throughout an integrated circuit in a raw orunprocessed state to completed or processed state at an end of thepredetermined data flow schedule.

The systems and methods of the preferred embodiment and variationsthereof can be embodied and/or implemented at least in part as a machineconfigured to receive a computer-readable medium storingcomputer-readable instructions. The instructions are preferably executedby computer-executable components preferably integrated with the systemand one or more portions of the processor and/or the controller. Thecomputer-readable medium can be stored on any suitable computer-readablemedia such as RAMs, ROMs, flash memory, EEPROMs, optical devices (CD orDVD), hard drives, floppy drives, or any suitable device. Thecomputer-executable component is preferably a general or applicationspecific processor, but any suitable dedicated hardware orhardware/firmware combination device can alternatively or additionallyexecute the instructions.

Although omitted for conciseness, the preferred embodiments includeevery combination and permutation of the implementations of the systemsand methods described herein.

As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detaileddescription and from the figures and claims, modifications and changescan be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention withoutdeparting from the scope of this invention defined in the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for propagating a dataset within aprocessing core of an integrated circuit, the method comprising:executing data propagation instructions that, when executed, move adataset rotationally within a processing core of an array of processingcores, the processing core comprising a plurality of distinct data portsarranged along sides of the processing core, wherein executing the datapropagation instructions include: moving the dataset within theprocessing core, in a degree of rotation between zero and three hundredsixty, from a starting data port of the plurality of distinct data portsto a terminal data port of the plurality of distinct data ports of theprocessing core.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: (i) thedata propagation instructions include a sequence of discrete datarotation instructions, and (ii) each discrete data rotation instructionof the sequence comprises a rotational movement value that is a degreeof rotation between zero and three hundred sixty.
 3. The methodaccording to claim 2, wherein (iii) each discrete data rotationinstruction of the sequence is associated with a required movement ofthe dataset within a plurality of distinct processing cores of the arrayof processing cores, and (iv) executing the data propagationinstructions causes the dataset to rotate between data ports of each ofthe plurality of distinct processing cores.
 4. The method according toclaim 1, wherein (i) the data propagation instructions includeinstructions for moving the dataset directly from a data port of adistinct processing core that neighbors the processing core to thestarting data port of the processing core, and (ii) executing the datapropagation instructions causes an entry of the dataset into a body ofthe processing core via a transmission of the dataset from the port ofthe distinct processing core directly to the starting data port of theprocessing core.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein (i) thedata propagation instructions include instructions for moving thedataset directly from a data loading controller of the integratedcircuit that neighbors the processing core to the starting data port ofthe processing core, and (ii) executing the data propagationinstructions causes an entry of the dataset into a body of theprocessing core via an injection of the dataset from the data loadingcontroller directly to the starting data port of the processing core. 6.The method according to claim 1, wherein (i) the data propagationinstructions include instructions for moving the dataset directly fromthe termina data port of the processing core to a data port of adistinct processing core that neighbors the processing core, and (ii)executing the data propagation instructions causes an exit of thedataset from a body of the processing core via a transmission of thedataset from the terminal data port of the processing core directly tothe data port of the processing core.
 7. The method according to claim1, wherein: (i) the data propagation instructions include instructionsfor moving the dataset directly from the starting data port of theprocessing core to a data loading controller of the integrated circuitthat neighbors the processing core, and (ii) executing the datapropagation instructions causes an exit of the dataset from a body ofthe processing core via a transmission of the dataset from the terminaldata port of the processing core directly to data loading controller. 8.The method according to claim 1, wherein (i) the data propagationinstructions include instructions for moving the dataset from thestarting data port of the processing core through an intermediary withinthe processing core to the terminal data port of the processing core,and (ii) executing the data propagation instructions causes a movementof the dataset from the starting data port via the intermediary to theterminal data port of the processing core.
 9. The method according toclaim 8, wherein the intermediary of the processing core comprises amain register file of the processing core.
 10. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the processing core comprises a plurality of processingcircuits arranged within a body of the processing core.
 11. The methodaccording to claim 10, wherein (i) the data propagation instructionsinclude instructions for moving the dataset from between one or more ofand plurality of distinct data ports of the processing core and one ormore of the plurality of processing circuits of the processing core. 12.The method according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of processingcircuits of the processing core comprise a plurality of matrix multiplyaccumulators.
 13. A method for propagating a dataset within a processingcore of an integrated circuit, the method comprising: executing datapropagation instructions that, when executed, move a datasetrotationally within a processing core of an array of processing cores,the processing core comprising a plurality of distinct processingcircuits arranged along sides of the processing core, wherein executingthe data propagation instructions include: moving the dataset within theprocessing core, in a degree of rotation between zero and three hundredsixty, from a starting processing circuit of the plurality of distinctprocessing circuits to a terminal processing circuit of the plurality ofdistinct processing circuits of the processing core.
 14. The methodaccording to claim 13, wherein the plurality of processing circuits ofthe processing core comprise a plurality of matrix multiplyaccumulators.
 15. The method according to claim 13, wherein: (i) thedata propagation instructions include a sequence of discrete datarotation instructions, and (ii) each discrete data rotation instructionof the sequence comprises a rotational movement value that is a degreeof rotation between zero and three hundred sixty.
 16. The methodaccording to claim 15, wherein (iii) each discrete data rotationinstruction of the sequence is associated with a required movement ofthe dataset within a plurality of distinct processing cores of the arrayof processing cores, and (iv) executing the data propagationinstructions causes the dataset to rotate between processing circuits ofeach of the plurality of distinct processing cores.
 17. A system forpropagating a dataset within a processing core of an integrated circuit,the system comprising: an array of processing cores; an instructionsgenerating circuit that produces data propagation instructions that,when executed, move a dataset rotationally within a processing core ofthe array of processing cores, the processing core comprising aplurality of distinct data ports arranged along sides of the processingcore, wherein executing the data propagation instructions include:moving the dataset within the processing core, in a degree of rotationbetween zero and three hundred sixty, from a starting data port of theplurality of distinct data ports to a terminal data port of theplurality of distinct data ports of the processing core.
 18. The systemaccording to claim 17, wherein: the instructions generating circuitproduces the data propagation instructions that include a sequence ofdiscrete data rotation instructions, wherein each discrete data rotationinstruction of the sequence comprises a rotational movement value thatis a degree of rotation between zero and three hundred sixty.